Hamas’s armed wing, Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, expressed concern on Friday about the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, stating that hostages were “struggling to stay alive” amid relentless Israeli bombardments. The spokesperson, Abu Obeida, highlighted the dire situation faced by wounded and sick hostages, attributing their suffering to the ongoing military campaign by Israel in the war-battered Palestinian territory.
Efforts to address the crisis have been underway, with mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt convening in Cairo to negotiate a potential ceasefire and secure the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Despite US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s optimism about the possibility of a deal, no breakthrough has been publicly announced.
Abu Obeida emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting that time is running out fast. He placed blame on Israel’s military actions in Gaza for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, which has affected both Palestinian civilians and hostages.
The hostage situation stems from an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7, during which approximately 250 hostages were taken to Gaza. Though some hostages have been freed, roughly 130 remain captive. Tragically, thirty hostages are believed to have died, with additional casualties occurring due to military operations and mistaken killings by Israeli forces.
Among the hostages still in captivity, several are suffering from illnesses, prompting efforts to supply them with necessary medical assistance. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting a significant death toll, predominantly consisting of women and children, as a result of Israel’s military offensive since October 7.
The conflict has exacted a heavy toll on both sides, with civilian casualties mounting and no immediate resolution in sight. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and address the humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza’s population, including hostages caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
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